Kaushiki

Why did you choose this master’s programme at KTH?

During my bachelor's in architecture, I found myself increasingly drawn to the intersection of sustainability, design, and urban innovation. These didn’t feel like separate concepts to me. They felt deeply connected, and I started to see them as a powerful way to shape the cities of the future. I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s that placed these values at its core, and the MSc in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design at KTH felt like the perfect fit.

What really drew me in was how the programme combines creative design thinking with serious engagement in ecological, social, and technological aspects. I liked that it’s not just about designing spaces but about understanding the systems behind them. The flexible structure and specialisation tracks also stood out to me. As someone who enjoys working across disciplines, I really value having the freedom to shape my academic path based on my interests.

I also wanted to study in a place where sustainability isn’t just something people talk about in theory. I was looking for a place where it’s part of everyday life, and Sweden felt like the right environment for that. At the same time, KTH’s international community means I get to learn alongside people from all over the world, which I think is so important when you’re trying to design for inclusive and resilient urban futures.

For me, this programme isn’t just about gaining knowledge. It’s about becoming the kind of professional who can contribute to real and lasting change, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.

Have you chosen a specialisation track within the programme? Which track and why?

I have chosen the Urban Planning and Design specialisation track, as it aligns closely with my background in architecture and my passion for design-led approaches to sustainable urban development. This track emphasizes studio-based learning, which I find especially valuable because it mirrors the collaborative, iterative nature of real-world design practice.

Working in studio environments with peers from diverse disciplines not only strengthens critical thinking and communication skills but also prepares you for the kind of teamwork expected in professional planning and design settings. I appreciate how the track encourages you to tackle complex urban challenges through creative experimentation, pushing you to move beyond conventional design solutions.

What excites me most is the opportunity to engage with real sites and projects, often in close connection with stakeholders, municipalities, or local communities. This makes the work feel grounded and impactful, while still allowing for innovation.

What are some of your favourite courses so far?

One of my favourite courses so far has been Sustainable Urban Planning and Design Studio 1.1 – Textures (AD2867). What made this studio especially meaningful was its structure. The first half of the semester focused on rigorous teamwork across various group projects, allowing me to collaborate with students from different academic and cultural backgrounds. In the second half, we were given the freedom to explore our own project themes, which I found both refreshing and creatively fulfilling. The course challenged me to think critically about how urban form is shaped and how design decisions translate into real-world spatial and social impacts. It also deepened my understanding of the political, cultural, and material textures of the urban environment.

Another course I really enjoyed was Applied Urban and Regional Analysis (AG2130). This course was highly technical and gave me hands-on experience with different GIS tools and methods. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to formulate my own urban problem and carry out a spatial analysis project from start to finish. It gave me a strong sense of autonomy, and I found it incredibly rewarding to combine data, mapping, and theory to create something both analytical and grounded in real-world context. Together, these two courses have made me feel like I’m actively contributing to the field, not just learning passively.

How is student life in Stockholm?

Student life in Stockholm is genuinely fulfilling. Having done an exchange in Umeå, I had some idea of what to expect from Sweden, but those expectations were quickly surpassed.

There’s something uniquely balanced about the lifestyle here, shaped by the Swedish concept of lagom, which means not too much, not too little- just the right amount. It’s a principle I’ve come to appreciate and follow in daily life.

The city feels like it’s designed for students. Whether it’s enjoying a fika in a cosy cafe, hopping on reliable public transport, or biking through green paths, Stockholm has a calm rhythm that’s never dull. KTH’s campus is lively and international, and being surrounded by people from all over the world makes every day feel like a cultural exchange. After a day of classes, walking by the lake or through autumn-coloured trees is the perfect way to unwind. And while I might joke about the early sunsets in winter, there’s something undeniably cosy and magical about them.

Living in student housing has been a shift from what I was used to back home in India, where food was usually provided in hostels. Here, being responsible for groceries and cooking was a big change at first, but it quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of daily life. Cooking with friends, trying out international recipes, and sharing meals has not just been fun, but truly life-changing. It’s in those everyday rituals like chopping vegetables, laughing over dinner, or teaching each other family recipes that I’ve found some of the strongest connections and a real sense of community.

What would you like to say to students thinking of choosing KTH for master’s studies?

I would say absolutely go for it. Choosing KTH for my master’s was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I had my doubts and hesitations in the beginning, as moving to a new country and starting a new journey isn’t easy. However, looking back, every bit of uncertainty was worth it.

Academically, the support has been incredible. Professors are approachable, and peers are always ready to help and collaborate. That sense of community really made a difference for me. Outside the classroom, there’s so much to explore: from fitness and wellness facilities to student clubs and fun events, KTH creates an environment where you can grow both personally and professionally.

It does take courage and a leap of faith, but if you trust the process and give it your all, things truly fall into place. KTH has given me the space, support, and confidence to thrive, and I am sure it will give you that too.